"Oh." I sat in my chair and fixated on the coffee carafe. "To be honest, I'm used to having nothing to do. I learned a long time ago how to entertain myself."
"Christ, that's no life."
"Yes, well." What was I going to say; you've stuck me in this mansion with no friends and nothing to do with my life? At least I was making an effort to change that.
"Is there something on your bucket list you really want to do?"
There was laughter in my voice when I said, "Bucket list? I've never made one."
"We frequently went to Ireland when I was a boy. I've always wanted to go back."
That was a massive reminder of the differences in our childhoods. "It must have been lovely."
Parker brought coffee to pour into the carafe, along with bagels, eggs, and bacon. He set those down and went back to the kitchen, returning with a fruit platter.
"It was. There's no way to describe how verdant the green is. It's incredible."
"And going back is on your list?"
"Yes." He stacked food on a plate and handed it to me. "And so is going to pretty much any country on a guided tour. I'd like to hear their histories."
"That does sound interesting," I commented while spreading cream cheese on my bagel. "I was under the impression you only traveled when it concerned business here in the state."
"Unfortunately, yes. The thing is, I have two partners capable of running my business, and yet I don't let them do it without my guidance."
Picking up a slice of bacon, I pointed it at him. "Don't you trust them?"
"Unequivocally."
"Then enjoy their competence and take time for yourself." I paused. There I was giving advice as though my own life wasn't in shambles.
"I've thought about it, but it would have to wait." He refilled my coffee as he spoke, and I wondered where the manners had come from suddenly.
"Why would you have to wait?"
"Finn isn't old enough to travel."
"You can't take a baby on an extended European vacation," I agreed. It made my chest ache to think of being separated from my child for such a long time.
"No, not this young, and I imagine you'd get tired of schlepping all his stuff around."
"Are you hiring me as your valet?" Picturing myself as a pack mule with all his gear strapped to my back made me shudder inside.
He chuckled. "No, but you're his mother. Even between the two of us, it would be a pain in the ass."
I felt stupid for not realizing he meant to include me. "Yes, it would be a lot," I murmured. Taking a few bites of breakfast, I thought about what he said. I wanted that with him; to travel the world at his side, watch his interest in history and gain pleasure from his happiness. It was an odd feeling.
"Anyway, there are things we can do around town if you're interested. I don't know how much of the city you've seen."
"Um, not much. The streets between here and the doctor, the mall, the uh, the furniture store," I finished in a hoarse whisper. Suddenly, it seemed my food was lodged in my throat. I tried to wash it down with coffee.
"You're not still buying from them, are you?" he asked with a deep frown.
My gaze remained glued to my plate. And give his mistress a commission? "No, I've only purchased online lately."
"Good."
"Have you spoken to your family?" I asked after a few minutes. The image of Harper's tall, slender body was etched in my brain.
